Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
